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A review by endemictoearth
Winter Under the Covers: A Small Town M/M Secret Relationship Romance by Elle Waters
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I've really enjoyed this low-angst series that has an edge of self-awareness. (The running joke of how they're slowing getting all their queer friends to move to this town is cute and not grating.)
This book was also very sweet, and showed a specific difficulty of coming out in a way I haven't seen that often. Similar to another ARC I had (Second Chance by S.B. Barnes) we have a character who isn't fully out, but also isn't trying to hide who he is to many people. However, in this one, he is most worried about coming out to his family, which leads him to ask his new love interest to keep things on the down low.
While I can see some people getting frustrated with this, I mostly thought it was interesting to see someone who left town early to live the life he wanted, but didn't think he could share with his family. Then, when he comes home years later for an extended period (he's covering his mother's veterinarian practice while she's recovery from an injury) and it takes him time to recalibrate to a more accepting town than he remembers.
I did eventually get frustrated with Connor when he got in his own way and let Shay down too many times. I still believed the HEA, but I wish the low angst vibes could have applied to the third act, as well.
That being said, I do like this series and there was plenty here to enjoy. Looking forward to the Spring installment!
Thanks to GRR for the advanced copy!
This book was also very sweet, and showed a specific difficulty of coming out in a way I haven't seen that often. Similar to another ARC I had (Second Chance by S.B. Barnes) we have a character who isn't fully out, but also isn't trying to hide who he is to many people. However, in this one, he is most worried about coming out to his family, which leads him to ask his new love interest to keep things on the down low.
While I can see some people getting frustrated with this, I mostly thought it was interesting to see someone who left town early to live the life he wanted, but didn't think he could share with his family. Then, when he comes home years later for an extended period (he's covering his mother's veterinarian practice while she's recovery from an injury) and it takes him time to recalibrate to a more accepting town than he remembers.
I did eventually get frustrated with Connor when he got in his own way and let Shay down too many times. I still believed the HEA, but I wish the low angst vibes could have applied to the third act, as well.
That being said, I do like this series and there was plenty here to enjoy. Looking forward to the Spring installment!
Thanks to GRR for the advanced copy!